4	Firm	Dessert pears, pared, cored and sliced
2/3	Cup	White wine
1/3	Cup	Superfine sugar
1	Strip	Lemon rind
		Maraschino cherries, to decorate

Put wine, sugar and rind in a saucepan and stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, add the pears, then cover the pan and poach the pears gently for about 5 minutes, or until opaque. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool.

Discard the lemon rind, reserve a few pear slices for decoration, then puree the cold mixture in a blender or press it through a strainer.

Pour into a freezer container, cover and freeze for several hours until firm.

Remove from the freezer and turn into a large bowl. Break the sherbet up with a fork, then beat it well until slushy.

Spoon the mixture back into its freezer container, cover and return to the freezer for a further 3-4 hours - until firm.

Remove the sherbet from the freezer and allow it to soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Spoon it into individual glasses and serve decorated with pear slices and cherries if desired.

YIELD: 4 Servings .